History Extra podcast The Amazons: wonder-women of the ancient world
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Sep 4, 2025 David Braund, Emeritus Professor of Classics at the University of Exeter and author of 'Amazons: The History Behind the Legend', dives into the fascinating world of the Amazons. He reveals how these warrior women were more than just fierce fighters; they played significant roles in ancient Greek culture. Braund discusses their cultural impact, the complexity of their societal structures, and debunks the myth of the one-breasted Amazon. This exploration challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the nuanced portrayal of femininity in a patriarchal world.
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Amazons As Greek Cultural Constructs
- Amazons are both a literal and a Greek cultural creation used across texts, pottery and monumental sculpture.
- Their ubiquity shows Greeks used them to explain religion, identity and civic meaning, not just warfare.
Pyrrhus Killed By A Woman
- David Braund recounts King Pyrrhus being killed by an old woman who hit him with a roof tile.
- The episode illustrates that ancient sources sometimes record women killing famous men.
Amazons On Temples And Tombs
- Amazons appear on major sanctuaries and tombs like Ephesus, Olympia and Halicarnassus, linking them to religion and memory.
- Their frequent presence on tombs suggests Amazons served funerary and foundational storytelling roles.